Environmental Science
Environmental science is an interdisciplinary field that examines the interactions between the physical, chemical, and biological components of the environment. It studies the Earth's ecosystems, natural processes, and human impact to understand and address environmental challenges. Through the integration of various scientific disciplines, environmental science aims to promote sustainable practices, conserve biodiversity, combat pollution, and mitigate climate change. By fostering a deeper comprehension of our natural world, it seeks to ensure a balanced and healthy environment for current and future generations.
EXPLORE CAREERS
Natural Resources
This area focuses on the sustainable use and management of natural resources such as forests, fisheries, minerals, and water. It involves studying resource extraction, conservation strategies, and the socio-economic impacts of resource management.
- There are opportunities within this career that would not require obtaining advanced degrees, such as Environmental Technician, Park Ranger, and Forest Technician.
- Advanced specialized positions within Natural Resources may require a graduate degree. Some examples of job titles include Natural Resource Manager, Environmental Planner, and Land Use Planner.
Conservation Biology
Conservation biology aims to understand and protect biological diversity and ecosystems. It involves studying endangered species, habitat restoration, biodiversity conservation, and the development of conservation strategies.
- There are opportunities within this career that would not require obtaining advanced degrees, such as Conservation Technician, Wildlife Technician, and Park Naturalist.
- Advanced specialized positions within Conservation Biology may require a graduate degree. Some examples of job titles include Conservation Biologist, Ecologist, and Conservation Program Manager.
Climate Change
Climate change is a pressing global issue. It involves studying the causes, impacts, and mitigation strategies related to the increase in greenhouse gas emissions and the resulting changes in Earth's climate system. This field includes research on climate modeling, adaptation strategies, renewable energy, and policy development.
- There are opportunities within this career that would not require obtaining advanced degrees, such as Climate Analyst, Sustainability Coordinator, and Environmental Consultant.
- Advanced specialized positions within Climate Change may require a graduate degree. Some examples of job titles include Climate Policy Specialist, Carbon Analyst/Manager, and Climate Scientist.
Renewable Energy
Renewable energy focuses on the development and utilization of energy sources that have a minimal environmental impact and can be replenished naturally. It includes studying solar energy, wind power, hydropower, geothermal energy, and bioenergy, as well as their potential for replacing fossil fuel-based energy sources.
- There are opportunities within this career that would not require obtaining advanced degrees, such as Renewable Energy Technician, Wind Energy Technician, and Energy Analyst.
- Advanced specialized positions within Renewable Energy may require a graduate degree. Some examples of job titles include Renewable Energy Scientist, Renewable Energy Engineer, and Project Manager.
Environmental Policy & Governance
This area examines the development, implementation, and evaluation of policies, regulations, and laws related to environmental issues. It involves analyzing the role of governments, international agreements, and organizations in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainability.
- There are opportunities within this career that would not require obtaining advanced degrees, such as Policy Analyst, Compliance Specialist, and Environmental Justice Advocate.
- Advanced specialized positions within Environmental Policy & Governance may require a graduate degree. Some examples of job titles include Law and Policy Consultant, Environmental Lawyer, and Environmental Governance Researcher.
Environmental Education & Communication
Environmental education and communication aim to raise awareness, promote knowledge, and foster positive attitudes and behaviors towards the environment. It involves designing educational programs, campaigns, and initiatives to engage individuals, communities, and organizations in understanding and addressing environmental issues. This field emphasizes the importance of effective communication, environmental literacy, and behavior change for sustainable development.
- There are opportunities within this career that would not require obtaining advanced degrees, such as Environmental Educator, Nature Interpreter, and Environmental Communications Specialist.
- Advanced specialized positions within Renewable Energy may require a graduate degree. Some examples of job titles include Program Manager, Sustainability Outreach Coordinator, and Environmental Education Researcher.
FIND OPPORTUNITIES
To help you explore different employers within the environmental science field you can utilize the job boards below. Please note this is not an exhaustive list of employers, just a starting point!
- ArgiSeek
- AgCareers
- Alaska Conservation Foundation
- American Water Works
- Colorado Parks & Wildlife
- EnvironmentalCareer
- Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences
- GreenJobs
- Green Job Search
- Good Food jobs
- Conservation Job Board
- USAJobs
- International Rivers
- Earthworks-Jobs
- Nature Careers
- ECOJobs
- Idealist
- Green Jobs Network
- OutdoorEd
- Backdoor Jobs
- EHS Jobs
- GreenBiz
- Sustainable Business
- World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms
DEVELOP YOUR INTEREST
There are many options to get involved at Colorado College and develop your career competencies. Get involved to deepen your understanding of an industry and help you decide if a job in this field is of interest to you. Planning your experience can feel daunting, so check out some industry specific ideas both on and offf campus below. As you plan, meet with the Advising Hub to discuss your major and academic interests to ensure you’re on track for your academic plans as well.
- Colorado College Clubs: CC Student Farm, Colorado College Science Outreach, EnAct (Environmental Action), Gender Minorities in STEM, and Project Mush.
- On-Campus Job Examples: Research Assistant, GIS Lab Technician, PikeRide Student Field Tech, Emissions Intern, Waste Intern, STARS Intern, CC Exchange Student Manager, Herbarium Assistant, Field/lab Assistant, State of the Rockies Project Assistant, and Student Assistant Research Ecologist.
- Check out different offices on campus that could provide additional experiences. Such as the Center for Global Education & Field Study, Office of Sustainability, and State of the Rockies.
- Research Opportunities within Colorado College: Student Research Opportunities and Environmental Studies Department.
- Research Opportunities outside of Colorado College: Research Experiences for Undergraduates REU.
- Familiarize yourself with laboratory protocols and procedures, emphasize safety, learn how to use specific processes and equipment, and become versed in software used to document and interpret results. For example, the software can include ArcGIS, Excel, Tableau, R, and Python.
- If you are interested in attending graduate school ensure to start graduate school preparation early. Such as identifying programs of interest, knowing admission requirements, and talking to faculty and the Career Center about your interest in graduate school.
- Engage in service work through the Collaborative for Community Engagement or The Office of Sustainability.
- Test out specific areas of interest by engaging in micro-opportunities, such as ones offered by Paragon One, Forage, Open Avenues Foundation, and Parkey Dewey.
- Continue to develop professionally by doing an Internship. You can search for experiences online or connect with your faculty to see if they know of industry-specific opportunities. A few places to start your search include Charlie Blumenstein Internship, Handshake, and Find Opportunities Page.
- If you are unable to take classes at CC on specific data analysis programming, consider taking an online course from LinkedIn Learning, Grow with Google, and Coursera.
- Attending scientific conferences and presenting can be a great way to network and show off your work to potential employers.
show all / hide all
CURIOUS TO LEARN MORE
If you are interested in learning more about certain career paths you can start with professional associations. They offer insight on what it is like working within the industry and provide tips for getting started.
- Professional Associations: Student Conservation Association, Association for Women in Science, International Association for Society and Natural Resources, Society for Conservation Biology, National Association of Environmental Professionals, Alliance for Climate Education, Young Professionals in Energy, and North American Association for Environmental Education.
- Groups: Queers X Climate, SustainedAbility, Center for Diversity and the Environment, Indigenous Environmental Network, Intersectional Environmentalist, Asian Pacific Environmental Network, National Black Environmental Justice Network, and Green Latinos.
Questions? Reach out!
